Groundwater Characteristics and Quality in the Cascades Region of Burkina Faso

Abstract

In the context of low rainfall, groundwater abstraction is the main source of water, especially in rural areas. For better water management, a good knowledge of water resources is necessary. The Cascades region depends, like most regions, on the use of groundwater, especially in rural areas. However, this region has been subject to a strong anthropogenic impact in recent years, in association with mineralization. This study aims to establish the status of groundwater quality in order to strengthen the knowledge of groundwater resources, for better planning of preservation strategies and sustainability of actions. Fifty-eight borehole water samples were collected using techniques and methods for assessing groundwater properties. The results indicate that the electrical conductivity (EC) values of the water show slight mineralization. The waters are aggressive, with severe-to-significant corrosion, and with calcite saturation in relation to the geological facies. Principal component analysis allowed us to conclude that residence time and leaching due to anthropogenic activities have an impact on quality. The chemical and bacteriological quality of the groundwater systems is of great concern, as some parameters exceed the Burkina Faso guidelines.

Microbiological and Physicochemical Quality of Groundwater and Risk Factors for Its Pollution in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

“…In Burkina Faso, previous studies carried out on the quality of groundwater have focused on heavy metal and chemical contamination in rural areas and the midwestern part of the country [18,19]. However, a recent study by Faye et al [20] detected microbiological contamination as well as chemical deterioration in groundwater quality in the southwest part of the country. To date, no studies have been conducted on the microbiological and physicochemical quality of groundwater in the central region, including the capital city Ouagadougou.…”

Removal of Sulphate Ions from Borehole Water Using Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis

“…Generally, the quality and chemical composition of groundwater depend on the geological nature of the rock in contact with the water. For example, water flowing through sandy or granitic subsoils will be acidic and poorly mineralised, whereas water flowing through calcareous soils will be bicarbonate, calcic and often have a high hardness [7,8]. Groundwater has long been considered "clean water", because in most cases it naturally meets potability standards and therefore does not generally require treatment.…”

“…Groundwater has long been considered "clean water", because in most cases it naturally meets potability standards and therefore does not generally require treatment. However, as groundwater quality varies from place to place [9], some may contain mineral elements in concentrations exceeding potability standards [10][11][12][13] and thus requires to be treated before consumption [7,8].…”